n. [ OE. halm, AS. healm; akin to D., G., Dan., & Sw. halm, Icel. hālmr, L. calamus reed, cane, stalk, Gr. kalamo`s. Cf. Excel, Culminate, Culm, Shawm, Calamus. ] The denuded stems or stalks of such crops as buckwheat and the cereal grains, beans, etc.; straw. [ 1913 Webster ]